A thirty second belly laugh can give us up to three months of physical immunity. So you have four good ones and you’re set for the year – it’s like having a booster shot. Positive thoughts energize us and strengthen the immune system. On the other hand negative thoughts have a tremendous draining effect on us and weaken the immune system.

A five minute fit of anger will deplete an entire eight hour work day. Now thirty seconds of belly laughing can be quite a long time, but even a smile will release the same endorphins, dopamine and adrenalin in the brain. There’s truth to the old phrase “Smile and the world smiles with you.” Your smile actually creates a reaction in the brain. So when you’re lips go up, a signal is sent that says you’re happy. When we smile at others, they smile back and the same signal is sent.

Now with so many negative things happening in the world and our own personal struggles, it can be a challenge to smile in the face of it all. We can be intentional with our happiness. Focus on PEOPLE, PLACES and THINGS that are funny; that energize you that make you feel good. Do the best you can to move yourself in that direction.

So the next time you’re texting a friend the message “LOL” try actually doing it. Laugh Out Loud today! It’s good for your body and your mind.

Top business executives are pressing Congress to give President Barack Obama greater authority to negotiate international trade deals, citing the potential for increased hiring in the United States and greater competitiveness for their companies overseas.